Delicious Italian Wine Biscuits for Your Next Gathering
Looking for a delectable bite to enjoy with your Italian wine? Look no further than these delightful Italian wine biscuits, also known as ciambelle al vino or ciambelline al vino. These biscuits are a crunchy crispy classic sweet vanilla-flavored biscuit that pairs perfectly with any glass of red or white wine.
This gluten-free recipe has been passed down for years in my family, originating in the southern region of Italy. Traditionally, these biscuits were made to use up leftover wine from wine barrels, using the flavors of the wine to enhance the taste of the cookies.
These wine biscuits are perfect to serve with coffee or tea for breakfast or lunch, but they can also be enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert. They’re not too sweet, and their texture is perfect for dipping into a glass of Italian white or red wine.
Trust me when I say that once you try these homemade Italian wine biscuits, you won’t be able to get enough of them! Whether you’re baking them for yourself or to share with loved ones, these uncomplicated yet delicious biscuits will make your day a whole lot better. So why not give them a try?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: A crunchy, crispy classic sweet vanilla-flavored biscuit perfectly paired with a glass of good dry red Italian wine. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll experience when you make these delicious Italian Wine Biscuits.
What I love about this recipe is how easy and versatile it is. With just a few simple ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, red table wine, and olive oil, you can whip up a batch of these biscuits in no time. Plus, the recipe is forgiving when it comes to substitutions – you can use white wine instead of red or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
This biscuit recipe originates from Italy and is called either Ciambelle al Vino or Ciambelline al Vino. It’s a traditional recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation in Italian families for many years. It’s known for its light texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of different wines.
If you’re anything like me and love biscotti, then you’ll want to give these biscuits a try. They have a similar texture to biscotti but are much easier to make since there’s no need to bake them twice. These biscuits are perfect for enjoying as an afternoon snack or pairing with your favorite Italian meal.
Trust me, once you try these Italian Wine Biscuits, you won’t be able to stop eating them. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 grams)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup white sugar (200 grams)
- 1 tablespoon fennel seed
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup good dry red wine (120 ml)
- 1 cup quality olive oil (240 ml)
Stay tuned for the recipe how-to.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have all your ingredients measured out, it is time to get started on the recipe. This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of fennel seed until they are well combined.
Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add in 1 cup of good quality dry red wine and 1 cup of quality olive oil to the same bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take about two tablespoons of dough and roll it into a thin log. Twist the ends of each log together to create a “twist” shape or form the dough into small rings or donut shapes, also known as “ciambelle al vino” or “ciambelline al vino”.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Place the formed biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Your Wine Biscuits
Once you pull them from the oven, let them cool down before you serve them as A crunchy-crispy classic sweet vanilla flavoured biscuit perfect for dipping into coffee or dessert wine! Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
There are a few substitutions and variations you can consider when making Italian Wine Biscuits, depending on your taste preferences or ingredient availability.
Firstly, you can use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter-colored cookie. White wine cookies are also known as “ciambelle al vino bianco” in Italian. Be aware that the flavor will be slightly different from the traditional recipe, but still pleasing to the palate.
If you prefer a gluten-free version of these cookies, you can try using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This substitution may affect the texture of the biscuits, making them a bit more tender, but no less delicious.
For those who love anise, you could also add some anise flavor to your biscuits by incorporating fennel seeds into the dough or coating the cookies in sugar mixed with anise seed instead of regular sugar.
Another variation to consider is using olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a more authentic taste. Italian recipes often call for olive oil, and substituting it will give your wine biscuits an earthier, richer flavor.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with different wines, you can use other types of quality red or white wine to get fun and unique flavors. In fact, some Italian regions like Puglia have their own special version of these biscuits called “taralli,” which use local varieties of red wines.
These are just some ideas to help you customize your Italian Wine Biscuits recipe to make it suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
These Italian Wine Biscuits are a true delight on their own, but they really shine when paired with a good glass of red wine. They have the perfect crunch and sweetness that pair wonderfully with a dry red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Cabernet Sauvignon.
To serve these biscuits, I suggest pairing them with your favorite Italian cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, and some delicious olives for a lovely antipasto platter. Alternatively, you can also serve them alongside a cheese plate with some Asiago, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese to complement the rich flavor of the wine.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, try dipping these cookies into some Vin Santo – an iconic Tuscan dessert wine – for an even sweeter experience. Regardless of your choice, these Italian Wine Biscuits make for an ideal complement to any savory or sweet dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Italian wine biscuits, or ciambelle al vino, can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once they have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
If you want to prolong their shelf life even further, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure that they are in an airtight container or wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat these wine biscuits, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they are crispy and warm. Alternatively, you can pop them in the toaster oven for a quick reheating.
These Italian wine biscuits make great gifts and can also be served as a sweet snack alongside coffee or tea. They’re a delicious way to enjoy the classic taste of red wine in a crunchy, crispy biscuit form.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Italian wine biscuits, there are a few tips to help you achieve perfect results. First and foremost, it is important to choose a good quality red or white wine for this recipe. For red wine biscuits, use a dry red table wine that pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the cookie. The same rule applies for white wine biscuits.
Another tip to keep in mind is to mix the ingredients thoroughly. It is critical to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined, especially the baking powder which should be mixed well with the flour. This will give the biscuit its classic crunchy and crispy texture.
When rolling out your dough, be sure to roll it out evenly so that your cookies bake uniformly. Use a floured surface to prevent sticking and roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
If you’re making these biscuits for the first time, consider baking one test batch before attempting mass production. This will help you judge proper cooking time and get the ratio of ingredients just right.
Finally, one thing I like to do is add fennel seeds as it adds an extra depth of flavor to these cookies. However, If you don’t have fennel at hand, they can be omitted or substituted for another spice such as anise seed.
Follow these tips and you’ll end up with delicious Italian wine biscuits that are perfect every time!
FAQ
As I go through the specific directions for this Italian Wine Biscuits recipe, you may have some questions in mind. To address any concerns, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that readers usually ask when making this delicious biscuit. Read on to find answers that will make your baking experience easier and more enjoyable.
Why is it called wine biscuits?
New Zealand has been fond of a popular sweet vanilla flavoured biscuit with a crunchy and crispy texture for almost a century. Interestingly, the name of this biscuit is tied to the way our ancestors used to keep their flour dry by storing it in used wine barrels.
Do wine biscuits have wine in them?
As a sommelier, it’s important to note that despite their name, wine biscuits are not your typical savory biscuits. They offer a slightly sweet taste that is not overwhelming like a sugar cookie. Made with flour, oil, sugar, and red wine, these biscuits occasionally have a faint purple tint and are often fashioned into a small hoop-like shape.
What are biscuits called in Italy?
Originating from the Italian city of Prato in Tuscany, Biscotti, also known as Cantucci, are dry and crunchy almond biscuits with an oblong shape. They are typically twice-baked and can be enjoyed by dipping them in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.
Are wine biscuits alcoholic?
Baking red wine-infused cookies is a safe bet for kids and non-drinkers since the alcoholic content in the wine vaporizes during the baking process.
What is a super wine biscuit?
Let me tell you about a delectable, traditional biscuit with a sweet vanilla taste and a satisfying crunch. What makes these biscuits particularly special is that they are completely free from any artificial colors or flavors. It’s been said that the origin of the name of these biscuits lies in the practice of bakers storing flour in wine barrels. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about these delightful treats.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Italian Wine Biscuits are a classic sweet treat that will delight your taste buds with every crunchy, crispy bite. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, using common ingredients that you are likely to already have in your pantry. The red table wine adds a unique flavor profile to the biscuits, making them stand out from traditional cookies.
These wine biscuits are perfect for snacking on their own or pairing with coffee, tea, or a glass of red wine. They also make a wonderful gift for loved ones or as a delightful addition to any dessert platter. And with variations and substitutions available, you can customize the recipe to fit your preferences.
Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this Italian Wine Biscuits recipe is sure to delight. So next time you’re craving something sweet, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delicious treats at home.
Italian Wine Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup red table wine
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (NOT olive oil!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry.
- Knead until smooth.
- Cut off piece of dough about the size of a pencil and roll between palms.
- Knot the dough.
- Brush top of biscuits with milk or egg yolk.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes.